Last week we discussed the pros and cons of the various popular maintenance strategies and started to define what is essentially a quickly deployed hybrid between complex strategies like RCM and simple PM schedules. After we rank the assets on criticality of failure and the importance of the process they support, we can combine these tables into a quick reference for overall asset importance.

3. Determine current operating condition of equipment

This is combined with the Relative Importance ranking established in Step 2. Old machinery that also has high criticality will need much more attention or possible replacement. Newer, less critical machinery can be given little attention.

4. Decide on a strategy to maintain each asset.

There are a wide variety of available maintenance strategies. A few are listed below. Assets with low criticality (eg. C5) can be maintained with a Run-to-Failure strategy. High criticality assets however, (eg. A2) should have either intensive PM schedules and inspections, or an investment into some kind of condition monitoring technology. Available strategies include:

Run to Failure

Preventive (PM’s)

Predictive/Condition Based

RCM

Continuous Monitoring

5. Finalize Specific Maintenance Activities

After all the groundwork has been laid, the specific activities need to be decided on. What needs to be done for each weekly PM? For each monthly PM? Each strategy implies a different level of asset care, and its corresponding activities. PM’s will include largely inspections and possible repair. RCM and Continuous Monitoring involve a much more intensive set of activities like different tests and calibrations. Build out a plan for every asset including as many details as possible for each maintenance activity. This plan should be re-examined and changed at different intervals.

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